U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio says political newcomer James Buchanan is the right choice for Florida voters, officially endorsing Buchanan for Florida’s 72nd House District Wednesday.
Rubio sang Buchanan’s praises in the endorsement, saying he was sure Buchanan would make his mark as an effective lawmaker in the state’s capital city.
“James is a tenacious worker and someone the voters of Sarasota County can trust to deliver and produce results,” Rubio said. “He will put Sarasota’s interests above all and will never stop fighting to keep our economy strong, our infrastructure from crumbling, and our children in world-class schools.”
Buchanan called Rubio’s endorsement “energizing,” and paid homage to Rubio’s own accomplishments in turn.
"I am proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a proven champion for lower taxes, personal freedom, and smaller government,” said Buchanan.
Last month, Buchanan jumped headfirst into the special election for Florida’s 72nd House District after Alex Miller announced she would resign from the seat.
Miller had served in the Florida House for less than a year, representing part of the Sarasota area.
Lawmakers have taken notice of Buchanan's potential star power, saying he'll get things done and make his mark as a legislator. Buchanan picked up the endorsements of two of Tampa Bay’s top lawmakers -- Future Senate President Bill Galvano and Rep. Jim Boyd -- last week.
“I know James will be ready to hit the ground running once he gets to Tallahassee,” said Sen. Galvano. “He will be an asset to our local delegation as someone who will help get things done.”
Boyd said he was hopeful Buchanan would be a “great partner” in the Florida House, especially on issues that matter most to the average Floridian.
“When it comes to passing tax relief for hard-working families or education reforms that help our children, I look forward to working with him,” Boyd said.
Buchanan, a real estate agent and broker, initially intended to run for House District 71 -- which is currently represented by Rep. Jim Boyd -- but switched tracks once Miller announced she would be resigning from her post last month.
The name “Buchanan” should ring a bell to Florida politicos -- James Buchanan’s father, Vern, has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2006.
Buchanan is the only declared Republican candidate for the seat, which has historically leaned towards GOP candidates.
Democrats Margaret Elizabeth Rowell Good and Ruta Jouniari are also running for the seat.
The special election to replace Miller will be held Feb. 13 next year.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
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